What Is It Like to Work With a Restoration Services Company?

3/7/2012

Recently, the Clement Family of New Market, Iowa, experienced a house fire that caused extensive fire, smoke and water damage. Some of the items damaged where an antique dining room buffet and photo albums containing precious memories.

Could their home and precious possessions be restored?

Happily, the answer is yes. (See before and after photos at right. More photos in the full case history.)

The repair work was extensive. We gutted the entire house, replaced all the electrical and 'thermo fogged' everywhere. In our shop, we 'ozoned' and hand cleaned many of the Clement's possessions.

Thermo fogging and ozone cleaning break down and remove the odors from smoke-damaged objects.

Here are homeowner Brian Clement's thoughts on the fire restoration process:

"They made sure we got what we wanted."

"It all fell boom-boom right into place."

"I never felt out of the loop."

Find out all the work involved in this fire restoration by reading the full case history.

These Steps May Prevent a Fire

12/7/2011

Did you know that half of all fires caused by heating equipment are reported during December, January and February? According to the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division, in just one year (2009), 58,900 fires involved heating equipment. Those fires resulted in 480 deaths, 1,520 injuries and $1.1 billion in direct property damage. Here's what you can do:

#1: Obey the 3-foot rule.
Keep all household items at least 3 feet away from the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.

#2: Set up a "kid-free zone."
Kids love to play, but unfortunately many turn oblivious to their surroundings. Help them by maintaining a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around all open fires and space heaters.

#3: Never use an oven to heat your home.
Ovens are built to cook food, not as open space heaters.

#4: Turn portable heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed.
Space heaters were found to be responsible for 79% of the deaths, 66% of the injuries and 52% of the associated direct property damage caused by home heating equipment fires for the years 2005 to 2009. (See chart based on NFPA research.) For this reason, Advanced Restoration Services recommends using stationary or portable space heaters with extreme caution.

#5: Use good fireplace protocol.
Use a sturdy fireplace screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Also, allow ashes to completely cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

#6: Maintain your chimney and heating equipment.
Clean and inspect heating equipment and chimneys every year. Use a qualified professional to do it.

#7: Test smoke alarms monthly.
Smoke alarms save lives. So, check the batteries and replace them if necessary.

Although we have well-trained, certified technicians ready to help 24 hours a day with your fire restoration needs, we’d prefer to help you prevent a fire in the first place.

For more information, see www.nfpa.org/education.

7 Things to Do After a Fire

8/1/2011

Of course, fires cause damage. But did you know that you can cause more damage to your home and its contents even after the fire is out?

When a fire occurs, even a small one, follow these steps recommended by the University of Missouri Extension:

1. Hang clothing outside on a line.
2. Prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
3. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting to prevent rust stains.
5. Open windows for ventilation.
6. Change the furnace filter (if operating) at least once a day until the filter shows no soot.
7. Cover clean items with plastic during repairs to prevent re-soiling.

In the long run, money can be saved by contacting a professional fire restorer. Ask your insurance agent for a recommendation.

Tips for Handling Fireworks Safely

7/1/2011

If your town's laws allow the use of fireworks, we want you to be safe. Fireworks can present a hazard to your home, family and guests. Here are some tips.

1. Only use fireworks outdoors.
2. Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
3. Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
4. Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes. Then soak it in a bucket of water.
5. Use common sense. Keep spectators a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

Learn more at fireworksafety.com.